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  • 2023 Winter Speaker Information

63RD Annual AIRPORT MANAGEMENT Short course


Kurt Wedberg in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile on the famous W Trek.

Keynote Speaker
Kurt Wedberg

Founder, Sierra Mountaineering International, Inc.

Read more about Kurt Wedberg.

Kurt founded Sierra Mountaineering International, Inc. in the fall of 1995 after returning from his first of three successful expeditions to Mt. Everest. With over 40 years of mountaineering experience in the Sierra Kurt has also guided 120+ expeditions to high peaks in Africa, Alaska, the Alps, Antarctica, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Russia, Tibet, and Turkey. He completed the Seven Summits in the Summer of 2012 after summiting Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia. Kurt runs Sierra Mountaineering International, Inc. from his hometown of Bishop, CA along the slopes of the beautiful Eastern Sierra.

Kurt remains active in all aspects of guiding including rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, Sierra peak ascents, and expeditions to high peaks worldwide. He is an instructor for SMI’s Avalanche Courses and is a lifetime professional member of the American Avalanche Association. Kurt is also a Leave No Trace Master Educator and has a BA in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.

When not guiding Kurt enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly and son Asher. Other interests include barbecuing, cooking, playing guitar, and staying active with his local church where he can occasionally be seen giving a sermon behind the pulpit.

Speaker

Erin Albright, JD

Protocol Specialist and Consultant

Airport Initiative by BAATC


Read more about Erin Albright.

Erin is an internationally recognized anti-trafficking expert with over a dozen years of experience as a subject matter expert for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime, the US Commission on Human Rights, and the California Office of Emergency Services. In the United States, Erin’s partners and clients range from Airport Initiative, Department of Justice, and the American Bar Association, to 23 state and local task forces. A graduate of Mary Washington College, and Boston College Law School, Erin is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.

Speaker

Fai Ali, PE, CM, PMP

Deputy Aviation Director, Planning and Development

Mineta San Jose International Airport

Read more about Fai Ali.

Fai is a strategic leader and program manager with over 15 years of experience and result driven success in airport planning and development. Fai leverages leadership and technical knowledge gained through hands-on experience in commercial aviation and the U.S. Air Force to deliver success. Fai has proven expertise and success in strategic planning and administration with an innate ability to translate high level vision and strategies into actionable goals and accomplishments. Fai has over 10 years’ experience in program management, administration, and the development and oversight of capital improvement and federally funded programs, including programming and execution of FAA funded projects.

Speaker

David y. Bannard

Partner

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP


Read more about David Y. Bannard.

Dave is a partner with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell. Dave has more than 25 years of experience in representing airports on a wide variety of matters, including regulatory compliance, airport financings, use and lease agreements and rate-setting ordinances, airline and other tenant bankruptcies, defense of Part 16 actions, and the negotiation of concessions agreements. He regularly counsels airports on compliance with federal grant assurances and development of air service incentive programs, and he is currently advising several airports on negotiation of new use and lease agreements. Dave has represented airport owners in novel public-private partnerships, including negotiating the agreements relating to a start-up of a privately developed passenger terminal, the private development of a terminal for ultra-low cost carriers, and the privatization of a small county-owned airport. He is an experienced bond attorney, having served as bond counsel to airports and other issuers, counsel to borrowers and underwriters and disclosure counsel, as well as issuer’s counsel, in many transactions. Dave is also a frequent speaker at airport and aviation conferences on a wide variety of airport-related topics.

Moderator

alice Bimrose, A.A.E., C.A.e., ACe

Executive Program Director

PSM²

Read more about Alice Bimrose.

Alice Bimrose is Executive Program Director at PSM², a woman-owned small business providing strategic communications and guest experience services during capital development. Alice leads the development of project communication plans and project start-up activities including contract requirements, project management plans, and customized processes, procedures and standards for clients experiencing disruptions due to construction and change. Prior to joining PSM², Alice spent nearly 25 years at America’s Friendliest Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Her PHX experience included capital projects and budgets, airline affairs, public relations, stakeholder outreach, employee development, process improvement, and maintenance management. She has also worked for 13 years in the private and nonprofit sectors in the Phoenix area. Alice earned a Master of Arts degree from Ottawa University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University, and completed the Certificate of Airport Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is an Airport Certified Employee in Airfield Operations, an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives, and a Certified Airport Executive through the Southwest Chapter of AAAE.

Moderator

Rosalyn Bond, A.A.E., C.A.e., ACe

Deputy Director of Operations

SJC Airport


Speaker

Kevin Bumen, A.A.e., c.a.e.

Chief Financial & Commercial Officer

San Francisco International Airport

Read more about Kevin Bumen.

Kevin Bumen was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in October 2020 and Chief Financial and Commercial Officer in November 2022. In this capacity, Mr. Bumen oversees SFO’s financial and revenue generating departments, including Finance; Risk Management; Accounting; Aviation Management; Aviation Marketing and Development; Hotel and Special Projects; Parking Management; and Revenue Development and Management. Prior to joining SFO, Mr. Bumen served as the Director of Airports for San Luis Obispo County as well as Director of Aviation and Business Services for the California Special District Airport. Mr. Bumen is Past President of the California Airports Council and is currently serving on the Board of the American Association of Airport Executives and Airports Council International – North America.

Speaker

Cathryn Cason

Manager

FAA, Los Angeles Airports District Office

Read more about Cathryn Cason.

Cathryn joined the Western Pacific Region as the Manager for the Airports District Office in November 2020. In this position, she works with a well-informed technical staff overseeing the Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Program. Prior to taking this position, Cathryn worked as the Lead Compliance Specialist in the Office of Airports in Washington, DC. During that time she had temporary assignments to the San Francisco Airports District Office as the Acting Assistant Manager, Southern Region as a Special Assistant, and the Los Angeles Airports District Office as the Acting Manager. Cathryn served in the Office of the Chief Counsel in policy division in Washington DC and in enforcement in Oklahoma City.

Speaker

TJ. chen, C.M., P.E.

Airport Deputy Director of Planning

Sacramento County Airports


Read more about Tai Jye Chen.

T. J. joined Sacramento County Department of Airports in 2015 as the Department’s Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Director for Planning and Development. T.J. embarked on his airports career more than 20 years ago as an airport engineering intern with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the 20 plus year span, T.J. held various project engineering, program management and leadership positions in both public and private sectors and in the US and abroad and had the opportunity to establish a joint-venture company in China. T.J. received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University and is a licensed civil engineer in the State of California. T.J. also served in the US Marine Corps Reserves and is a graduate of FAA’s Program for Emerging Leaders.

Moderator

Jinelle Crosser, ENv sp, leed ap

Sustainability & Resiliency Project Manager

Gresham Smith

Read more about Jinelle Crosser.

Jinelle Crosser is a Sustainability and Resiliency Project Manager with Gresham Smith - a team of diligent designers, creative problem-solvers and insightful planners who work closely with clients to improve the places we call home. Jinelle is experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams within airports, municipalities and other sectors to identify and advance goals related to sustainability and resiliency. She has a particular focus on climate mitigation, including helping airports navigate the Airport Carbon Accreditation program and preparing industry guidance through the Airport Cooperative Research Program. She is also experienced in natural resource management, pollution prevention and environmental program development as well.

Speaker
Angi Daus

Marketing Coordinator
Santa Barbara Airport


Read more about Angi Daus.

Angi Daus has served as the Marketing Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Airport for the past 2 years. Although this is her first “airport gig,” is very familiar with the on-goings and management of government organizations. Angi has her MPA from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota and her BA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Prior to joining SBA, Angi founded LL Bird Consulting, an organizational development consulting practice. She also services on the Board of Directors for A Different Point of View, The Arts Fund of Santa Barbara and Channel Islands Restoration, all nonprofit organizations Angi has great passion for. Angi grew up in Wisconsin but has been grateful to call beautiful California her home since 2014. It serves her needs to be outside running, hiking, backpacking, walking her dog and read in the sunshine.

Speaker
james Duke

Associate Vice President, Aviation Discipline Lead 
CP&Y

Read more about James Duke.

James is an Associate Vice President and the Aviation Discipline lead for CP&Y, an STV Company, a leader in providing architectural, engineering, planning, environmental, program and construction management, and advisory services for transportation systems and infrastructure, water, and social infrastructure. James “fell into” aviation immediately upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin when the firm he was working for asked him to help design the new east runway at what would become Austin Bergstrom International Airport. He is a career aviation professional with 29 years of experience in planning, programming, design, construction, and operation of airport projects including airfield, terminal, landside, and utilities at commercial service, general aviation, and military airports. James leads CP&Y’s airport civil engineering and construction management teams while coordinating between disciplines to support STV’s aviation projects across the United States. James is a licensed civil engineer in Texas, California, Oklahoma, and Virginia. A highly respected civil engineer with broad airport planning and design background, James applies this experience to lead and mentor teams to deliver high quality solutions that meet each client’s specific needs. He has been a member of SWAAAE since 2011.

Speaker

daren griffin, a.a.e.

President/CEO

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Read more about Daren Griffin.

Daren Griffin, is the President/CEO for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. He is responsible for leading and directing the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), with an operating budget of $58 million. Formerly the Director of the PDXNext Program at the Port of Portland, Mr. Griffin became the CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority on August 3, 2020, following a nationwide search. Griffin has also served as Interim Director of Business Properties, the Director of Operations and the General Aviation Manager for the Port of Portland, the State Airports Manager for the State of Oregon and the Director of Yuma International Airport in Arizona. Mr. Griffin holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona, served in the U.S. Army and is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE). He resides in Reno with his wife and three children.

Moderator

Betty Ann Hagenau

Founder and Executive Director

Airport Initiative by BAATC


Read more about Betty Ann Hagenau.

Betty Ann is an anti-trafficking thought leader who is known for her collaborative work with over 150 anti-trafficking organizations and government agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world. She is the Executive Director and founder of Airport Initiative and the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition (BAATC). Betty Ann spent 18 months interviewing former human traffickers in San Quentin Prison to better understand their lucrative business practices and to inform the development of BAATC’s current strategies and programs. Betty Ann earned a Master’s degree from Stanford University in International Policy Studies and a BA from the University of Oregon in International Studies and Journalism.

Speaker

Susan Kim, Esq.

Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

San Francisco International Airport


Read more about Susan Kim.

Susan directs Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programming at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and has championed the airport's anti-trafficking training and awareness campaigns. As a change agent, she helps shape and lead implementation of DEI enterprise strategy, programs, and initiatives. Susan also oversees Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for SFO’s nearly 1,800 internal team members, and SFO’s Title VI compliance program. Susan has been with SFO for 16 years.

Speaker

Edith Klimoski

Protocol Specialist and Consultant

Airport Initiative by BAATC


Read more about Edith Klimoski.

Edith is a consultant to Airport Initiative’s human trafficking identification training for airport employees. Edith has been the director of Give Way to Freedom since 2009. She has organized trainings on human trafficking throughout the United States to a wide variety of professionals including healthcare workers, social workers, runaway and homeless youth service providers, law enforcement, lawyers, drug treatment counselors, students, and educators. Edith is a member of the Vermont Human Trafficking Task Force, their Steering Committee, the New England Coalition Against Trafficking (NECAT), and the Freedom Network. Edith earned a BA in Biology with a concentration in Women's Studies from the College of the Holy Cross, and a Master of Science from University of Wisconsin - Green Bay.

Speaker
Alex Kovacs, C.M, C.A.E.

Director of Finance
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority


Read more about Alex Kovacs.

Alex started his airport career in 2008 at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and is currently serving as the Director of Finance for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. He is responsible for the accounting, finance, budget, and risk management functions. Prior to the airport industry, Alex was the Manager of Accounting for one of the gaming properties in Reno.

Alex received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USAMV University in Romania, a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. He is a Certified Member of AAAE and a Certified Airport Executive.

Speaker
Doron Lean

President
Lean Engineering

Read more about Doron Lean.

Doron Lean has over 20 years of experience in engineering, construction management, inspection, design-bid-build, and airfield and airport electrical engineering systems and technologies. He leverages this strong experience with extensive capabilities to provide, innovative and cost-effective solutions. Together, his team has performed over 200 electrical and technological projects over 100 commercial airports and military bases worldwide. His team is a frequent contributor to the FAA, TRB, and other government agencies in the development of airport innovations and standards. Services/ Expertise: Electrical Engineering Design Airfield Lighting Navigational Aids Power Distribution and Backup Power Security and Technology Systems Solar & Alternative Power Instrument Approach Procedure Development Inspection and CM.

Speaker

Eric C. Lu

Managing Principal
Ramboll Group

Read more about Eric C. Lu.

Eric C. Lu is a Managing Principal at Ramboll and located in the Irvine, California office. He has more than 20 years of experience in air quality management and climate change issues, with expertise in air quality and GHG emissions inventory and reporting, risk assessment, climate action plan development, CEQA, and agency/public stakeholder outreach and communication. He has assisted a variety of clients including, airports, oil and gas, manufacturing, landfills, commercial and residential land use development, and renewable energy facilities. He is the North America Airports Service Line co-Leader for Ramboll and on the planning committee for the 2023 Aviation Noise and Emissions Symposium at UC Davis. Mr. Lu is a Registered Professional Engineer (PE), a Certified Permitting Professional (CPP), an Accredited Greenhouse Gas Lead Verifier in California and a former verifier under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Brown University and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

Speaker

Steve Luis

Principal
Ramboll Group

Read more about Steve Luis.

Steve Luis is a Principal at Ramboll in the Irvine, California office. For more than 20 years Steve has been helping clients with their most challenging brownfield redevelopment projects, with a focus on evaluating chemical occurrence and behavior, assessing human health risks, and developing and implementing cost-effective cleanup strategies. He routinely engages with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and is frequently called upon to provide litigation and cost allocation support. Steve’s clients include aerospace manufacturers, commercial and residential developers, public agencies, and the law firms that represent them. He has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and MS and CE in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Steve is a Licensed Professional Engineer (Civil) in the State of California.

Speaker
Jennifer Maples, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE

Aviation Superintendent
City of Phoenix Aviation Department 

Read more about Jennifer Maples.

Jennifer Maples is an aviation professional with 30 years of industry experience and has spent the last 24+ years at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She is currently the Facilities & Services Planning Superintendent overseeing operational readiness, asset management, maintenance, and COVID-19 planning & recovery functions. Jennifer holds a degree in Aviation Business Administration with a Certificate of Emphasis in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2007 she became an Accredited Airport Executive and served five years on the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Board of Examiners. She is active in the airport industry, currently serving as the Immediate Past President for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). Jennifer has been active in AAAE since 1998, is a past president of the Arizona Airports Association, and a former board member for the Phoenix chapter of Women in Transportation (WTS). In addition to frequent speaker & moderator roles at industry conferences, she has been a guest lecturer at the Naval Post Graduate School, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Kansas State University. Jennifer has been recognized by SWAAAE as a Certified Airport Executive and was honored with the 2013 President’s Award as well as the 2016 Aviation Excellence Award. She was also recognized as the WTS Member of the year in 2011 and attended the prestigious WTS Leadership Academy at Rutgers in 2014.

Speaker
Ken Moen, A.A.E., C.A.E.

Special Projects Manager and Airport Planner
Armstrong Consultants

Read more about Ken Moen.

Ken began his aviation journey as an Army air traffic controller serving in Kentucky, South Korea, and Alabama from 1977-1981. In 1982, Ken was hired as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration while earning BS Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Following retirement from the FAA in 2009, Ken spent a year at Baghdad International Airport training Iraqi controllers and supporting US Military operations with Washington Consulting Group. Ken began his civilian airport career in 2011 at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport advancing through airport operations and administration. Ken completed his AAE airport management accreditation in July 2016. In 2018, Ken assumed the airport manager position at the Carson City Airport (CXP) until retiring in March 2021. In April 2021, Ken was hired by Armstrong Consultants as a Special Projects Manager and Airport Planner. Ken has been married to Denise for 38 years…in a row! Ken is a father of two and grandpa of one.

Speaker

Chris Morello

Deputy Director

Monterey Regional Airport

Speaker

Danielle K. Morone

Partner

Gatzke Dillon & Balance LLP

Read more about Danielle K. Morone.

Danielle K. Morone is a Partner at Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP, where she counsels clients on environmental, land use and airport advisory and litigation matters. Danielle routinely represents lead agencies and project applicants on CEQA compliance for a variety of project types, including residential and non-residential, university campus and airport development. As part of this practice, Danielle works with environmental consultants across multiple disciplines but devotes a measurable portion of her practice to air quality and greenhouse gas emission impact analyses. Danielle specifically provides legal counsel on the preparation of emissions inventories for criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases, health effect evaluations for criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminants, plan-level consistency studies concerning the intersection of air quality, greenhouse gas, land use and transportation, and the development of effective and feasible mitigation strategies.

Speaker

Kelly Moulton

Director

C&S Companies

Read more about Kelly Moulton.

Kelly is a Managing Partner with C&S Companies. She has more than 18 years of aviation planning, environmental, FAA compliance and development experience. Providing aviation consulting services to airports across the country, her technical background includes airport master plans, airport layout plans, land use and facility planning, environmental planning, regional system planning, sustainability planning, FAA grant coordination, alternative project delivery and airport capital improvement planning. As a former airport employee, Kelly brings the unique perspective and insights of having worked at airports of varying sizes and types of facilities.

Speaker

Ross nelson

Client Relations Lead

Sourcewell


Read more about Ross Nelson.

Ross Nelson is the Client Relations lead for California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. What Ross most loves about Sourcewell and the Cooperative Purchasing space is providing solutions for our members across all different areas of the purchasing cycle. In his free time, Ross enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, two daughters, and dog- Yuma. Ross looks forward to attending the SWAAE Conference for the first time and representing Sourcewell.

Speaker

Joseph nielsen

Electrical Engineer/Practice Builder

Kimley-Horn


Read more about Joseph Nielsen.

As the Electrical Team Lead in the Reno Office, Joseph’s primary clientele includes municipal and local government, commercial, education, industrial, and national private companies. His specialties include power distribution, power systems analysis (load calculations, voltage drop, fault current calculations, coordination studies, arc flash evaluation), interior, exterior, and high mast lighting design and photometrics, lighting controls, fire alarm, emergency and critical systems, EV charging and fleet electrification, resiliency, sustainability, and energy box studies.

Speaker

Corinne nystrom, a.a.e.

Airport Director

City of Mesa - Falcon Field Airport

Speaker

Corinne nystrom, a.a.e.

Read more about Corinne Nystrom.

Corinne Nystrom, A.A.E. has been employed in the airport management profession for over 36 years and is the Airport Director at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, AZ. She currently serves as the President of SWAAAE. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder with a bachelor's degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources and Transportation Management. Corinne is a former Vice Chair and current member of the AAAE General Aviation Committee, a member of the AAAE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Past President of the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA), Past President of the Colorado Airport Operators Association, and a former member of NWAAAE. She was also nominated by her airport peers and appointed by the Governor of Colorado to serve on the Colorado Aeronautical Board as the Airport Management representative. In 2021, Corinne was selected as AzAA's Airport Executive of the Year. Prior to joining the airport profession, Corinne was a licensed real estate broker, was employed in the human resources profession, and was a certified professional ski instructor.

Speaker
Adrienne Patterson

Deputy County Counsel
Solano County


Read more about Adrienne Patterson.

Adrienne Patterson advises Solano County’s Nut Tree Airport in her capacity as a Deputy County Counsel for Solano County’s Office of County Counsel. Adrienne’s counseling involves a wide range of airport matters, including review of financial matters, drafting and negotiating use and lease agreements, and, most recently, advising on coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. As a certified mediator, Adrienne is experienced with contract negotiating and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Solano County Counsel’s Office, Adrienne worked as a District Representative to former Solano County Board Supervisor, Skip Thomson.

Speaker

Chad reese

Environmental Affairs Manager

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Read more about Chad Reese.

Chad Reese is an Environmental Affairs Manager at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the agency that manages the day-to-day operations of San Diego International Airport (SAN). He has a history in cleantech project management, and currently manages projects and policy related to the Airport Authority’s Sustainability Management Program including air quality and emissions, transportation electrification, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and waste reduction. He is also involved in the management of The Good Traveler, a carbon offset program developed and owned by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Speaker
Judy M. Ross, A.a.e., c.a.e.

Assistant Director
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Read more about Judy Ross.

Judy M. Ross, AAE, CAE, is the Assistant Director of Aviation for Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) since April 2018. She served as Interim Assistant Director of Aviation since 2017 and Deputy Director of Aviation – Planning and Development at Silicon Valley’s airport since 2015. This experience has included managing the administrative functions of the Airport Director’s Office as well as the five Airport divisions: operations, facilities and engineering, finance, planning and development, and business development. Judy’s vast knowledge of the aviation industry and steady management approach was developed through her three years at SJC as well as at other U.S. airports. She served as Deputy Aviation Director at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for seven years; Director of Airport Planning and Development at Little Rock National Airport for two years; and while at San Diego International Airport for 10 years, she was Manager of Program Controls, as well as holding other positions. Judy earned a Master’s degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. She is also an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Chapter of AAAE, where she is also a Certified Airport Executive.

Speaker
jorge Rubio, A.A.E., C.A.E.

Airports Deputy Director
City of San Diego Airports

Read more about Jorge Rubio.

Jorge Rubio, A.A.E., C.A.E. is the Airports Deputy Director for the City of San Diego Division of Airports where he is responsible the overall operations, maintenance, and development of the Montgomery Gibbs Executive and Brown Field Municipal Airports. Jorge has also held several positions at County of Ventura Department of Airports and with AvPorts at the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport. Jorge has a BS degree in Aviation Administration from the State University of New York at Farmingdale. In 2013 he was honored with the “40 under 40” Award by Airport Business Magazine, in 2015 with the Aviation Excellence Award by SWAAAE, and in 2019 received the President’s award from SWAAAE. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Moderator

Kevin smith, a.a.e.

Aviation Planning Market Leader

Mead & Hunt

Read more about Kevin Smith.

Kevin Smith has 27 years of comprehensive experience in the aviation industry and government leadership. Prior to joining Mead & Hunt in 2022 as their Market Leader for Aviation Planning, Kevin served as the General Manager of the Truckee-Tahoe Airport District. Kevin’s experience encompasses supervising day to day airport operations balanced with long-term strategic direction, and business development of airports and municipalities. He has extensive experience serving and supporting elected and appointed boards, councils, and commissions. He regularly counsels’ airports on master planning, airport administration challenges, hangar leasing and development, aviation and non-aviation land use planning, Section 163, noise and annoyance mitigation, public outreach strategies, support of elected officials, and strategic planning. Kevin is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and has served on various AAAE Committees including the Board of Examiners. His experience also extends to municipal government as a City Planner, Community Development Director, and Assistant City Manager. He has held positions in the FBO industry at TRK and with Million Air. Kevin is an instrument rated private pilot with a passion for aviation and the intriguing world of airports, how they function, and how they can be improved. In his spare time, he enjoys being at sea searching for sea turtles, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Speaker

Catherine stedman

Director of Communications and Outreach

Central Coast Community Energy


Speaker

Catherine stedman

Director of Communications and Outreach

Central Coast Community Energy

Read more about Catherine Stedman.

Catherine Stedman is the director of Communications and Outreach at Central Coast Community Energy. Central Coast Community Energy is a Community Choice Energy agency established by local communities to source clean and renewable electricity for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties and now parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties while retaining your utility provider’s traditional role delivering power and maintaining electric infrastructure as well as billing.

Speaker

Andrew Swanson, C.a.e.

Airport Manager

City of Palo Alto



Read more about Andrew Swanson.

Andy was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington. Andy’s early working career included 12 years as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. This included coordinating cleanup efforts for charter vessels, and transporting personnel and supplies during the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. During this time aviation played a key supporting role in this industry which inspired him to follow his childhood interest in aviation. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Flight Technology with Specialization in Aviation Management from Central Washington University in 1999. Shortly thereafter, he joined San Mateo County Airports working as an Operations Specialist and was promoted to Airport Operations Manager being responsible for the operations of both San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. In 2004 he became the Manager of Solano County’s Nut Tree Airport. In 2013, Andy accepted the position of Airport Manager at Palo Alto and was tasked with transferring the City owned airport that was managed by Santa Clara County back to the City of Palo Alto. This was accomplished and completed in September 2014. Andy is a division head and he manages the airport which is one of the four divisions under the Public Works Director. He is directly responsible for the administration, operation, maintenance, and budget for one of the nation’s busiest single runway general aviation reliever airports with over 175,000 operations a year. Presently, Andy serves on the Association of California Airports (ACA) Board of Directors, as Vice President & ACA Chair of Emerging Technologies. He has served from 2015 to 2020 on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) and he is also a committee member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) General Aviation Airports Committee.

Speaker
Mike Williams, A.A.E., C.A.E.

Manager, Phoenix Airport District Office
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Read more about Mike Williams.

Mike Williams represents the Federal Aviation Administration as the Manager of the Phoenix Airports District Office. In 2012, Mike was selected as the Assistant Manager of the Phoenix Field Office and charged with establishing this new remote field office for the Agency and leading the office transition to the Phoenix Airports District Office. Mike was selected as the Manager in 2013 and the Phoenix Airports District Office was established in May of 2014. The ADO serves airports in the States of Arizona and Nevada.

Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Williams served as the Director of Airports for the County of San Bernardino, (CA), where he oversaw a system of six (6) general aviation airports. Prior to that, Mr Williams was employed as the Development Manager for the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. Mr Williams began his airport management career in 1992 with the City of Palm Springs, California, serving in various capacities with the Palm Springs International Airport. Ultimately, Mr Williams served as the Deputy Director of Aviation – Operations where he had oversight for operations, maintenance, security and capital development for the Airport.

Mr. Williams is a 1990 graduate of Arizona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Management Technology: Airway Science Management. Mike is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), having received this distinction in 1998 from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Mike is a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.) from the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). Mike is a past member of the Arizona Airports Association and SWAAAE. Mike is a past Board Member of SWAAAE and the AAAE Board of Examiners.

Speaker

Chris wimsatt, MBA

Deputy Director - Finance & Administration

Sacramento County Department of Airports



Read more about Chris Wimsatt.

Chris works for the Sacramento County Department of Airports as the Deputy Airport Director for Finance & Administration. In this role, Chris oversees Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Information Technology, the Project Portfolio Office, Human Resources and Airport Administration for a 4-airport system with a $250 million operating budget and a more than $1.2 billion 5-year CIP. Chris has worked in public and private finance for more than a decade and has been an airport financial executive for the past 3 years. Chris holds a Master of Business Administration Degree as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He resides in Citrus Heights, California with his wife and young son.”

Speaker
Mark Witsoe, A.A.E., C.A.E.

Airport Manager
Napa County Airport


2023 Hybrid Airport Management Short Course Speaker Presentation/PowerPoint Slide Master - Click here to download


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